Borno abducted pupils release Appeal as stakeholders demand unconditional freedom for 42 schoolchildren held for three weeks in Askira/Uba

Stakeholders from Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on Monday issued an urgent appeal for the unconditional release of 42 schoolchildren abducted by suspected insurgents, as the victims mark three weeks in captivity amid growing concern and emotional distress across affected communities.

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The appeal was led by the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Askira, who spoke in Maiduguri, urging the abductors to release the children without delay and describing them as innocent victims of a deeply troubling crisis.

Abdullahi Askira said the prolonged captivity has inflicted severe anguish on families and residents, stressing that the situation has become increasingly unbearable.

“We passionately appeal to the conscience of those behind this heinous act: these are children, not soldiers or politicians. They are the future of Borno and Nigeria,” he said.

He urged the abductors to act with compassion and release the pupils unconditionally, adding that children must never be used as leverage in any form of negotiation.

“We urge you to fear Almighty God and release them unconditionally. Children must never be used as bargaining chips,” he added.

The lawmaker explained that community leaders had initially remained restrained, trusting that security agencies and government authorities were working to secure the children’s release.

However, he noted that the passage of three weeks without progress had deepened anxiety and frustration among families.

“As stakeholders, we have remained patient and silent for these past three weeks, firmly believing that the government and our gallant security forces were doing everything within their power,” he said.

“We must, however, acknowledge that this patience has now given way to deep anxiety and worry.”

Abdullahi Askira also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as sustained efforts to address insecurity nationwide, alongside Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who visited Askira/Uba following the abduction to sympathise with victims’ families.

He said both leaders had shown commitment to restoring peace and supporting affected communities during a difficult period.

The stakeholders further called for improved security architecture in Askira/Uba, warning that the area’s proximity to the Sambisa Forest continues to expose communities to persistent threats.

According to Abdullahi Askira, the terrain has made the local government particularly vulnerable to attacks, necessitating urgent intervention.

“Furthermore, we must address the urgent need for a more robust security presence. Askira/Uba Local Government shares immediate borders with the fringes of the Sambisa Forest, making our communities uniquely vulnerable,” he said.

He called for the establishment of permanent security formations, including forward operating bases, rapid response units and strengthened protection for schools across the region.

The appeal comes as concerns grow over renewed attacks on educational institutions in parts of Borno State despite ongoing military operations against insurgent groups.

Reports indicate that the 42 pupils and students were abducted on May 16 after suspected Boko Haram terrorists stormed Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

The incident has reignited fears over the safety of schools in Nigeria’s North-East, where thousands of children have been affected by insurgency-related violence over the past decade.

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Security agencies are reportedly continuing efforts to locate and rescue the victims, but the children remain in captivity as of the time of filing this report, heightening calls from community leaders for swift and decisive action.